Somalia operates multiple visa systems due to territorial divisions. The Federal Government of Somalia issues visas for Mogadishu and territories under federal control through diplomatic missions or on arrival at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu. Somaliland operates an independent visa system for entry through Hargeisa Egal International Airport or the port of Berbera, with visas available on arrival for most nationalities. Puntland accepts Somali federal visas but recommends advance notification through regional authorities in Garowe. Standard tourist visas for federal Somalia cost approximately 60 USD for single entry valid 30 days. Somaliland charges approximately 50-70 USD for a 30-day visa on arrival. All visitors require a passport valid six months beyond entry date. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are mandatory for travelers arriving from endemic countries. Official visa information for federal Somalia appears at Somalia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mofa.gov.so). Somaliland immigration information exists at somalilandvisa.so.
Mogadishu contains the largest concentration of medical facilities including Erdogan Hospital, opened in 2015 with Turkish government support, offering 230 beds and emergency services. Madina Hospital operates as a private facility in Mogadishu with surgical capabilities. Hargeisa hosts Hargeisa Group Hospital, the largest in Somaliland with approximately 400 beds. Medical evacuation services to Nairobi or Djibouti remain the standard protocol for serious conditions. Pharmacies in major cities stock basic medications but supply chains experience frequent interruptions. Malaria exists year-round in most regions below 2000 meters elevation. The WHO reports that Somalia has among the world's lowest physician densities at approximately 0.2 physicians per 10000 population based on 2020 data. Private clinics in Bosaso and Garowe provide basic outpatient services. No hyperbaric chambers exist in Somalia for diving injuries. Water in urban areas comes primarily from private vendors or boreholes and requires treatment before drinking.
The Somali shilling circulates as official currency though USD functions as the primary transaction currency in most urban centers. Exchange rates fluctuate widely with the Somali shilling trading between 23000-35000 SOS per 1 USD during 2023-2024 depending on location and market conditions. Somaliland uses the Somaliland shilling, which traded at approximately 9000-10000 Somaliland shillings per 1 USD in the same period. Cash dominates all transactions as credit cards function in extremely limited locations, primarily larger hotels in Mogadishu. Dahabshiil and other Somali money transfer companies operate offices in all major cities for international transfers. Premier Bank Somalia and Salaam Somali Bank operate in Mogadishu with basic savings and business accounts. ATMs exist in Mogadishu and Hargeisa but frequently lack cash or connection. Travelers should carry sufficient USD in small denominations. Banks in Somaliland include Dahabshil Bank International and Bank of Somaliland. Mobile money through EVC Plus and Zaad operates widely for domestic transactions.
Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu receives flights from Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Jubba Airways. African Express Airways operates domestic routes connecting Mogadishu, Bosaso, Kismayo, and Galkayo. Hargeisa Egal International Airport receives flights from Ethiopian Airlines, Flydubai, and Fly Nas. Road travel between regions faces security restrictions and poor road conditions. The Mogadishu-Afgooye road, approximately 30 kilometers, represents one of the few maintained paved routes. Most intercity travel occurs via shared minibuses or private vehicles arranged through local contacts. The Berbera-Hargeisa corridor, approximately 150 kilometers, contains Somaliland's most developed road infrastructure completed with UAE financing in 2018. Four-wheel drive vehicles are necessary for most routes outside primary cities. Berbera port handles commercial shipping for Somaliland while Mogadishu port and Kismayo port serve southern regions. Bosaso port functions as Puntland's primary maritime gateway. No passenger rail service exists. Travel between Somaliland and federal Somalia regions typically requires flying via Addis Ababa or Djibouti.
Mogadishu hotels include Jazeera Palace Hotel on Lido Beach, which reopened after reconstruction in 2013. Hotel Sahafi and SYL Hotel operate in central Mogadishu serving business travelers and NGO staff. Rates in Mogadishu hotels range from 80-250 USD per night with security measures standard. Hargeisa accommodation includes Ambassador Hotel and Oriental Hotel with rates from 40-120 USD per night. Mansoor Hotel in Hargeisa offers mid-range lodging at approximately 60-80 USD. Bosaso has limited hotel options including Rayyan Hotel and Baahsan Hotel in the 50-90 USD range. Kismayo accommodation remains extremely limited. Advance booking through phone contact or local agents proves necessary as online booking systems are absent for most properties.